I'm Voting in this Election 2016.

I've done a lot of praying for this upcoming election. I have gone through a lot of emotions as well. I've tried to navigate the media spin and political rhetoric. I'd like to give a few thoughts and then tell you who I'm not voting for (and why) along with who I am voting for (and why). So first, a few thoughts:

1. I vote primarily from a Christian perspective. I desire to vote with a Biblical worldview that influences my personal life as well as my public life. In recent years it has become increasingly difficult for Christians to choose the 'clear' choice of candidate for president of the United States.

2. I don't believe the White House, whoever wins the elections, provides the answers our nation needs. The answers will be found in God's house, by people who have humbled themselves, prayed, sought the Lord, and turned from their wicked ways. (2 Chronicles 7:14) To put your trust in a president or government is idolatry. Our help comes from the Lord.

3. As a people who are called to be salt and light in the world, Christians have a responsibility to be involved and speak into the political process. In the context of truth and with grace we should be a prophetic voice in the midst of political rants, angry voices, and immorality. We cannot hid in a monastery or ivory tower.

4. By sharing my opinion of who I will vote for, I am not necessarily de-spiritualizing you, though I believe my choice is best. :-) I am attempting to do what I am called to do: discern the times and choose the straight and narrow path that leads to everlasting life. I will one day give an account of the votes I cast, so I will seek to give a public account now.

5. I don't believe that a third party vote is a wasted vote. I won't elaborate on this issue, but I'll refer you to the following article for your consideration.

So, let's look at my take on the candidates...

1. Hillary Clinton. She is in full & active support of the murder in the womb of a baby. She has been zealous for her support of abortion for a very long time. One of the greatest evils perpetrated by our society right now is the murder of children in the womb. Protection of the pre-born is a must for my vote. She also plays into race baiting for political gain and has been supportive of homosexual/transgender agendas. Her unethical activities and obvious deceit further promotes the reality that she has a skewed moral compass. The long tenure in politics that she has, does not affect my vote. Her Vice-Presidential pick, Kaine, has a conflicted and irrational view on Abortion (He is personally against it, but thinks it should be legal).  I would never vote for Clinton.

2. Donald Trump. He has a sordid history of being unprincipled except with his value of money & power. He has made millions from casinos and strip clubs. Casinos that have decimated many individuals and/or their families. Strip clubs that have played to the lusts of many while treating women as objects for male pleasure. (He also owned the Miss Universe beauty pageants from 1996 to 2015 which are milder forms of the exploitation of women.) While I certainly don't mind someone refusing to be politically correct I don't think that means you can be derogatory towards women, minorities, immigrants or any other group. Multiple marriage, multiple events of adultery, unfaithfulness characterize his personal life (if you didn't like Bill Clinton because of his personal life, don't vote for Trump either... and for those who refused to condemn the sexual immorality of Bill Clinton; stop being so loud in your condemnation of Trump). I also disagree with him on immigration. I really like Mike Pence his Vice-Presidential pick, but not enough to accept Trump. I just can't swallow the Trump pill.

3. Gary Johnson. The Libertarian candidate has picked up some numbers with the overall discontent people have with the two major party candidates. However, Johnson, doesn't provide any more moral high ground than any of the others. He is, in essence, a Republican without morals. While he doesn't actively support abortion, he believes that murdering a child in the womb is the "personal choice" a mother has to make. He is for the legalization of drugs and constantly directs major/significant issues from federal decisions down to the "states need to decide". While I believe in federal overreach and I am, as a Christian, leery of big government (any Christian who isn't needs to take a long look at history), Johnson isn't a viable alternative.

4. Jill Stein. The Green Party candidate is basically a liberal democrat with a penchant for the environment. Again, her stance on killing babies which she declares is a "reproductive right" is counter-Christian. Her party is inundated with influences like PETA and other groups that lean toward eco-terrorism. She says she is married to a Protestant Atheist... I'm not sure what her spouse is protesting then? Fringe and border line fanatical, Mrs Stein is not receiving my vote.

5. Darrel Castle. The Constitution Party candidate is a little known contender who is into small government and a strict constitutionalist. A big proponent of states rights (a small or even insignificant issue in my mind). However, he does seek to hold the moral high ground with issues of abortion, homosexuality, etc. He claims to be a Christian and does more than just claim it. He is very much involved in his local church and even founded the Mia Foundation, a Christian ministry in Romania that ministers to homeless children. The biggest difference I have with him is probably over issues of immigration. I am for immigration reform and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who are here already. I can vote for the Constitution Party candidate in the general election.

6. Gloria La Riva. The Socialist Party candidate (also a candidate for the "Peace and Freedom Party") is a little known candidate from the infamous party. Socialism always sounds good in theory, but has never functioned well. My concern as a Christian though, is less about governmental structure and more about moral compass. Socialism (which I call Communism Jr) tends to be inherently atheistic. Government becomes the socialist's god. One part of their 10-point program is safe, free, & legal abortion on demand. With that point alone, not to mention others, Gloria has forfeit further exploration into her candidacy.

7. Evan McMullin. The American Party candidate is part of a very small party. Most are unaware he is running, like a few others on the list. He is from Utah and tends to be a conservative, traditional Republican. He previously worked for the CIA and identifies as a Christian, but is actually a Mormon (which is not a Christian). This video on youtube is a little troubling as he claims to be personally against gay marriage, but is not willing to seek to overturn legislations or rulings that are anti-Biblical marriage. While there are a number of shared values on many moral issues, due to his religion and various stances on issues important to me, I will not vote for him.

8. Tom Hoefling. I believe he is the "American Party of Iowa" party candidate. He is a conservative Christian candidate that is not well known and will probably not be on most ballots. I probably would not be able to vote for him even if I wanted to, but I'm sticking with Castle.

While this election years is a difficult year for many Christians who are struggling to identify who to vote for, I am voting with the assurance that Jesus will remain on the throne. He is the one we need, He is our nation's only hope!

Our nation is obviously changing. Some good things are taking place, lot's of changes that do not appear to be positive. One thing I believe that is changing is the two party system we have in our nation. I think that would be a good thing.

But that's enough from me. What do you think? (Be nice please.)